Lawsuit to change sales tax measure wording to proceed

SACRAMENTO – Former state lawmaker Dean Andal received the green light today to challenge Stockton’s sales tax measure in court.

The Record

SACRAMENTO – Former state lawmaker Dean Andal received the green light today to challenge Stockton’s sales tax measure in court.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein, who is overseeing Stockton’s ongoing bankruptcy, said Andal could proceed, despite a general prohibition on litigation while the city is under Chapter 9 protection.

Andal, a former state assemblyman from Stockton, contends that the city is attempting to mislead voters in language to be on the upcoming Nov. 5 ballot, asking them to approve a ¾-cent sales tax increase. City officials say they will use the new money to fight crime and pay bankruptcy debt, drawing Andal’s complaint.

Andal’s attorney told Klein he intended today to file the challenge in the San Joaquin County Superior Court.

Read Thursday’s Record for more on this story by staff writer Scott Smith.